The Meiji Kuchi-e Tradition - Kuchi-e prints are woodblock frontispiece illustrations used in the publication of Japanese novels and magazines around the turn of the 20th century. Most of kuchi-e prints were illustrations of bijin and continued the tradition of idealized beauties in Japanese art. The subjects, however, have a decidedly Meiji era feel about them and reflect the artistic movement towards more western design. Kuchi-e prints always have two folds, because of their insertion in a magazine or book as an illustrative print.

A previously neglected genre of Japanese woodblock art, much interest has been generated in the subject since the publication in 2000 of Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's groundbreaking book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture." Kuchi-e prints have become highly sought after and collected by the serious collector.

Comments - Attractive scene depicting the chance meeting of the poet Saigyo and his wife after he had become a monk. She kneels at his feet, clutching his robe, hoping he would cross her path while out walking. He looks down at her with a sorrowful expression, his life now devoted to Buddha after renouncing the material world. He wears a simple gray robe with a traditional monk's mantle tied over one shoulder. Nicely detailed with fine line work. This image appears on page 38 of Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's recent book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture." A handsome illustration for the novel "Stories of Two Days: That Day."

Artist - Kobori Tomoto (1864 - 1931)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 11 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two folds. A couple very small spots. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.